Sea, Bridge, Children, Swim, Sweden, Summer

SUMMER SAFETY: HOW TO PROTECT CHILDREN WHILE SWIMMING OR NEAR WATER

Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury in children. Children 1 to 4 years old are the most vulnerable age group to die of drowning. This population’s vulnerability increases when exposed to unsupervised bodies of water. For every childhood drowning death there are 5 children who will be hospitalized for submersion injuries. Severe submersion injuries can result in brain injuries that have long-term consequences, including learning difficulties and permanent loss of basic functioning. Children aged 1 to 4 years are most likely to drown in home swimming pools. Pool owners should protect this area by removing toys, floats, and games around the deck that might be attractive to unsupervised young children. There is strong evidence that proper pool barriers prevent accidental access by young children. Swimming pools should be surrounded by isolated fences (all 4 sides) that are dynamic and secure.

It’s certainly a troubling statistic and something that parents, grandparents and guardians should know. They should also be aware of the following:

Drowning is silent. There can be very little splashing, waving or screaming.
Drowning is quick. Once a child begins to struggle, you may have less than a minute to react.
Watching your child in the water is your responsibility. A lifeguard’s job is to enforce rules, scan rescue and resuscitate.
Teach them to avoid irrigation canals because they are deep and flow swiftly with cold water that can cause hypothermia in a matter of moments. Canal banks are steep, which makes it difficult for people, especially children, to get out should they fall in.
Swim lessons are essential, but skill level varies. Many children who drowned in pools reportedly knew how to swim.
Watch kids when they are in or around water, without being distracted.
Teach children to swim with an adult. Older, more experienced swimmers should still swim with a partner every time.
Swimming aids such as water wings or noodles are fun toys for kids but are not appropriate to be used as a personal floatation device. Be sure to use a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket or PFD for your kids.
Teach children that swimming in open water is NOT the same as swimming in a pool. They need to be aware of uneven surfaces, river currents, ocean undertow and changing weather.

This may put people on edge, as it should. But there are steps and precautions that can be taken to ensure a child’s safety. For instance, parents, grandparents or guardians should help children learn how to swim and also develop these five water survival skills:

Step or jump into water over his/her head and return to the surface.
Float or tread water for one minute.
Turn around in a full circle and find an exit from the water.
Swim 25 yards to the exit.
Exit from the water without using the ladder.

So this summer, when you’re enjoying a pool, lake or river, make sure to keep these tips and tools in mind. It could keep you and your loved ones safe, and potentially even save lives.

Resources:

https://government.macombgov.org/mmyhblog-Summer-safety-How-to-protect-children-while-swimming-or-near-water

https://pedsinreview.aappublications.org/content/40/4/205

https://idahonews.com/news/local/drowning-and-trespassing-treasure-valley-residents-reminded-to-stay-clear-of-canals

How To Prevent Children From Drowning This Summer

SUMMER SAFETY: HOW TO PROTECT CHILDREN WHILE SWIMMING OR NEAR WATER

No Comments